It is not surprising that such simple devices as sockets are presented in the store with a very wide range. But this, in turn, causes confusion among buyers. It is difficult to understand what is better to choose for a particular case. Therefore, in the article we will present a brief overview of the types of sockets - both generally existing and presented only in Russia. Consider several options for their classifications.
Socket device
The element itself consists of three main parts:
- Foundation. May be plastic or ceramic. It is to him that the front panel and conductive, mounting fittings are attached.
- Conductive part. Its most common material is brass, tin plated or uncoated. Often replaced by bronze.
- Front panel. Most often it is a low-flammable carbonate. But there is also glass, and wood, and metal.
Sockets and mains
Also, many models, in addition to these components, are additionally equipped with a grounding contact.
Sockets andmains
Determining what types of sockets are available, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that this device is only the end point of a complex electrical network route to a residential building or industrial premises. And appliances and appliances can consume electrical energy at three levels:
- 120V, 60Hz. There is no such category of power grid in Russia. But you can purchase a device designed only for 120 V in the online store. Of course, in no case should you connect it to a regular 220 V socket! This threatens immediate damage to equipment. The way out is the use of adapters. Or installing a special outlet that lowers the voltage from 220 to 120 volts.
- 220V, 50Hz. This category of power supply in our apartments produces voltage in one phase (220 V). This is enough to connect large and small household appliances, both domestic and foreign.
- 380V, 50Hz. Already voltage level of three phases. It is suitable for connecting to sockets of already industrial, agricultural equipment - these are compressors, electric furnaces, crushers, various factory machines, etc.
Base for socket classification
The division of sockets into types and types is based on the following:
- Rated voltage. As a rule, on the shelves of stores you will most likely find models for 220-240 volts AC. The characteristic frequency is 50 Hz.
- View of the outlet connector. Again, C and F are more expected for Russian stores (we will present the classification itself below).
- Number of connectors. Here it is customary to single outsingle, double and modular sockets. There may also be combined options - with built-in USB, HDMI ports.
- Color solution. The range in this regard is extremely rich. Buyers choose models based on the interior features of their apartment, office.
- Installation principle. There are two main groups - external and hidden. We will also analyze them in detail further.
- Additional technical features. Innovations that greatly simplify the use of electrical appliances.
Quality issue
Today, high-quality and safe electrical accessories, and even more so of a universal type, cannot cost less than $ 3 for one item. Electricians advise trusting the following recognized manufacturers:
- Gira.
- ABB.
- Legrand.
- Jung.
- Merten.
- Berker.
- Bticino.
- Schneider Electric and others
By application
Today there are few rooms left that can be harmoniously imagined without sockets and switches. But far from the same types of devices are suitable for different spaces. This electrical fitting is divided according to the purpose of the room in which it will be installed:
- Residential apartments and private houses.
- Classrooms, offices, showrooms.
- Non-residential and retail space.
- Factory, factory premises, hangars.
But I must say that there are also universal sockets on sale that will be equally suitable for all itemsthis list. Such products necessarily comply with GOSTs, have several ISO certificates.
By connector
The most common gradation of socket types is according to the connector that is arranged in them. As for the latter, its type depends on the state where you live. It is better to consider the classification in the photo first.
Summary of types of socket connectors:
- Type A. Another name is American. But, in addition to the United States, it is also used in Japan. These outlets are not grounded.
- Type B. Another American model. Unlike the first, which has grounding.
- Type C. This is a European socket. I must say, the option is used not only in Europe, but also in the CIS countries, in Russia. Despite such a wide distribution, it has an unfortunate drawback - there is no grounding. But it is typical for "Soviet" models - C5. But it is the European ones (C6) that are produced with grounding.
- Type D. This type of outlet is typical for the UK.
- Type E. Standard used in France.
- Type F. Another type of European-style outlet, which also has a ground connection. Used in both EU and CIS countries.
- Type G. Used again in the UK.
- Type H. Typical for Israel.
- Type I. Type of outlet used in Australia. Also, such a Latin letter denotes the original variety, characteristic of Italy.
- Type J. Device common in Switzerland.
- Type K. This is a socket,installed in Denmark.
- Type M. Used in South Africa.
According to specifications
In our country, types of electrical outlets are provided for an operating voltage of 220-240, as well as separately 380 Volts. But in the USA and Japan, devices are designed for voltages of 100-127 Volts.
European sockets are made for 220 volts. Electrical equipment can be connected to them, whose power does not exceed 3.5 kW. Power outlets can withstand an electric current of no more than 16 A. This is enough to connect a refrigerator, TV and other common household appliances.
Special three-phase industrial sockets are already designed for a current of 32 A. Accordingly, they can be used to connect more powerful devices.
There is a gradation of outlets according to the frequency of alternating current - 50 or 60 Hz. In our country, devices of the first type are more common.
According to the execution of the body
Types of electrical outlets are also distinguished by the type of housing. Here is the gradation:
- Invoices. Most applicable for outdoor wiring. A big plus is the easy installation. You do not need to make a recess in the wall to install a socket there. It is enough just to drill holes for the dowels that will hold the device. Lack of aesthetic plan - strongly protrude from the wall.
- Recessed, embedded. These sockets are suitable for flush mounting - their entire interior is hidden in the thickness of the wall. Here you need to take careabout the device of a hidden socket box. One distinctive feature is that they can be mounted not only on the wall, but even on the floor, special panels, furniture. Retractable models, which are also referred to as built-in ones, are more suitable for this.
- Portable. In appearance, they resemble the well-known extension cord, only mounted directly into the outlet. In our country, such a convenient device is not yet popular
According to the presence of grounding
Needless to say, high power electrical appliances pose a certain threat to us. The most "flowers" - light tingling current when using an ungrounded outlet. And serious consequences can lead to the death of a person.
The matter does not end with the choice of the type of socket (consignment note or built-in) with grounding. Not all wiring in apartments have a third, grounding wire. And without it, a special outlet will be completely useless.
There are two types of devices in this group:
- Socket without grounding. Designed exclusively for low-power consumers of electricity. But this does not make their use absolutely safe - both for humans and for the technology itself.
- Socket with grounding. Designed for all electrical appliances whose power is more than 300 watts. Of course, such a technique can also work from a socket without grounding, the question here is safety.
For additional features
Types of sockets in the photo can also be divided according to a number of additional options implementedmanufacturer:
- Waterproof. Extremely comfortable for bathrooms. The socket has a special cover that protects its contacts from water ingress. The model is typical for European type with protection level IP 44.
- A socket outlet equipped with a safety shutdown function. Its benefits cannot be overestimated. The power here is turned off automatically when a dangerous current leakage is detected.
- Model with timer. On such an outlet, it is possible to set the time after which the power will stop supplying. This is very useful when using appliances, appliances that do not have their own timer.
- Power device with wattmeter. The novelty allows you to see in real time how much electricity is consumed by the device connected to the outlet. Some models even have an indicator light. For example, it glows blue at minimum flow and changes to red at maximum flow.
- With fork ejector. This model is ideal if some electrical appliance (for example, a vacuum cleaner) can cause the socket to fly out of the socket. The novelty allows you to gently and smoothly pull the plug from the socket.
- Illuminated. The innovation is typical for euro sockets. Why is it convenient? In the dark, without turning on the light, you can easily find an outlet in the room to, for example, charge your smartphone or laptop.
- With USB output. A new type of internal sockets. Allows you to charge USB-powered devices from the mains. Extremely handy in this age of gadgets.
- "Smart sockets". These are devices with Wi-Fi andGSM. They can be easily controlled using a smartphone if you decide to implement the Smart Home system in your home.
Selection Tips
So we sorted out the types of sockets - external, internal. Finally, we want to provide you with recommendations on choosing the type of a device for a particular room:
- Living room. Suitable for standard models. It is very convenient to install a modular block with 4-6 connectors on one of the walls.
- Bathroom, bathroom. Here we advise you to stay on moisture-resistant models with protective covers.
- Kitchen. Since many modern housewives use more electrical appliances, it’s a good idea to install a socket design with many connectors instead of standard or modular devices.
- Children's rooms (or completely throughout the apartment where there are small children). Special sockets with protective shutters. They prevent the baby from sticking a foreign object or their fingers into the connector.
- Private house. Since more and more owners use electric household tools in the care of their backyard, the building must be equipped with at least one external outlet. You can choose its type at your discretion - with grounding, protective shutter, ejector.
- Office. Here it is easiest to dwell on a socket construct - a device with a sufficient number of connectors for the entire number of office equipment. This ergonomic solution allows you to noticeably free up space from wires.
So we figured out the types of sockets that are found both in the world and only in Russia. When choosing the right one for you, you need to be based on the specifics of the room where the device will be installed.
